The Shakahola Commission’s functions have been put on hold by the High Court for the next seven days while it awaits a more thorough decision that will be made next week.
This came about after the Raila Odinga-led Azimio coalition filed a lawsuit to ban it from holding meetings.
The alliance filed the lawsuit two weeks ago, claiming that President William Ruto’s appointment of the eight-person team was unlawful and a usurpation of the constitutionally granted authority of other state bodies.
Azimio asserts that by establishing the team, the Head of State seized the national police service’s investigative jurisdiction.
The group further contends that the action undercuts the authority of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, who is not only mandated to conduct investigations but also prohibited from receiving any directives regarding whom to look into.
The suit also charges Dr. Ruto with giving his personal picks the right to challenge the legitimacy and mandate of constitutional institutions and governmental agencies.
On May 4, Dr. Ruto established a commission to look into cases of Shakahola deaths, torture, and inhumane and degrading treatment connected to the Good News International Church in Kilifi, which is connected to pastor Paul Mackenzie. Jessie Lesiit, a judge from the Court of Appeal, was named as the commission’s chairperson.